These talented stars are on the rise. How many do you recognize?

These Stars Are on the Rise

From popular franchises to brand new worlds of exploration, science fiction and fantasy stories are more popular than ever. Check out our list of the best and brightest new and upcoming movies and series.

New and Upcoming Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Discover some of the most anticipated sequels, prequels, and spin-offs coming to theaters and streaming.

New Sequels, Prequels, and Spin-Offs

Samuel Ali Tabatabai was born in San Antonio, TX in 1983. He began absorbing film while working at Hollywood Video when he was 16 years old. While in high school he created two comedic music videos and produced a documentary of a road trip to Montreal, Canada.

He began his higher education at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI where he filmed and photographed the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization and wrote Movie Reviews in the Entertainment Section for the newspaper, the Archway. The death of his mother caused him to transfer closer to home to Loyola University New Orleans, but he was displaced and relocated to Los Angeles, CA due to Hurricane Katrina. While attending Loyola Marymount University Samuel interned in the office for Capitol Films and Unity Film Productions, working on Sidney Lumet's last feature Before the Devil Knows Your Dead. Samuel also interned for the Mayor of Los Angeles as a camera operator while earning his Bachelors Degree in Finance.

Samuel left school and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii to work in event production and pursue his dream of producing his own films. This is where he discovered the underground short film contest Showdown in Chinatown and the 48 hour film project, where he soon began producing his own shorts, commercials, and music videos.

Since returning to Texas in 2015 from Hawaii, Samuel Ali founded Texas Made Films Youth Program, teaching all aspects of video production to the next generation of filmmakers as his philanthropy. He continues to create short films for festivals with the Children.

In 2016 Samuel began working as a Production Assistant on Union productions like America's Got Talent, American Ninja Warrior, Fear the Walking Dead and more.

In 2018 Samuel Ali self produced and directed his first feature film, Spring Breakdown, an improv horror comedy.

In 2019 Texas Made films hosted their first Summer Camp at Pine Moore Old West Studios in Blanco, TX for underprivileged children.

In 2020, Samuel designed the Troma feature film, Evil for Dinner, before relocating to New Orleans, LA to work towards getting his days to join the Directors Guild of America.

In 2021, Samuel produced the 16mm short fan film What if Batman? with Texas Made Films. He launched Louisiana Made Film Co. 501c3 non profit organization. Samuel joined IATSE 478 in December.

Samuel was a special effects technician on Anton Fuqua's Emancipation and the On Set Dresser for Paul Scraeder's Master Gardener. Samuel was the 2nd AD and UPM for the independent feature Pointe Noir. Samuel was the Production Designer for the feature Dad's Party starring Armand Asanti.

Samuel can be seen co starring in the Feature Films, Dr Gift, Amityville Bigfoot, Butcher's Bluff, and his cameo in Spring Breakdown. He will so be seen in the upcoming features as Dave in Desert Fiends, Piddles in Chick Chick Boom, Convenience Store Clerk in Mistletoe Massacre, Vlad in Pay To Die, Bee in Alien Horde and Zombie Medic in a Hard Place.

Since October 2023 Samuel has been working as preform at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. On stilts, as a costumed character Looney Tune and shows.

 "I'll never be too good to be a Production Assistant or Background Artist."

"I was trained to do free work forever. To give back to the community to continue to grow and stay connected with new trends."

"It's not about winning awards. It's about making a great film."

On set of “the Quick and the Undead” short film for the Austin 48 hour film project 2018 making a cameo

It&#39;s not about winning. It&#39;s about making a good film.

[Regarding working on his films] U have to pay to play. Unless you&#39;re famous. Or you have to volunteer 3 times and prove you&#39;re loyal before I would ever cast you.

If you want lines in my films, you have to come work on the crew for three days volunteer to prove your loyalty.

Quotes

Samuel Ali

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